Photos by Lou Montesano
After stepping in for Mick Ralphs on the recently concluded Bad Company tour, Rich Robinson immediately hit the road with his own band, and his own sound. Rich has always had a solid following in New York, and his guitar and songwriting talents post-Black Crowes are earning him new fans as he takes control of his musical destiny.
Rich Robinson loyalists who turned out on a Saturday night at the Highline Ballroom were treated to an opening set by Bonnie Bishop, a Texas gal with a voice as big as her home state. Equal parts Bonnie Raitt, Lucinda Williams and Grace Potter, Bishop has been around for more than a decade; she shared with the audience how she left the music business after six years of struggle and returned only recently, when producer Dave Cobb reached out and got her back in the studio. Bonnie is way too talented to stop making music, as her latest album, Ain’t Who I Was, attests. The crowd quickly warmed to her and her hard-strumming accompanist as they performed original songs such as “Too Late” and an energetic cover of “Whipping Post.”
Rich Robinson also has a new album, Flux, as well as a new role as front man of his own band. In earlier days, a Crowes concert was time to get crazy, but Rich is the more laid-back of the Robinson brothers. His quiet leadership suits him well as he continues to evolve as an artist while remaining true to his roots. Joined by Nico Bereciartua on guitar, Sven Pipien on bass, Joe Magistro on drums and Matt Slocum on keyboards, the Rich Robinson Band is a hard-rocking core of musicians equally at home turning it up and slowing things down. Rich has re-released several solo albums he did while still a Black Crowe, so along with Flux there’s plenty of material to work with. “It’s Not Easy,” “In Comes the Night,” “Is It Any Wonder” and “Everything’s Alright” are among his signature tunes, all delivered with impressive musicianship. Always a favorite, the encore of the Velvet Underground’s “Oh! Sweet Nuthin,” sent fans home both satisfied and wanting more.
-Lou Montesano
Read our recent interview with Robinson here.
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